Jackson, who engineered some nice offenses in Oakland, looked like the best choice from the outside. Shula has 21 years of NFL coaching experience, but he struggled in a stint as Alabama's head coach. He also did not do well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator from 1996 to 1999.

Shula will continue to work with Cam Newton and the Panthers' other quarterbacks. His promotion gives Newton a chance to stay in the same offensive system, with Rob Chudzinski having left for the Browns' top job. Carolina relied heavily on vertical passing.

The Panthers also promoted Ricky Proehl to receivers coach, and interim special teams coordinator Richard Rodgers will run special teams.